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Child Security & Safety Policy

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Purpose Statement
      To safeguard Southside’s infants, children, and youth from mistreatment in ministry situations.

Definitions:
      For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions have been developed.

"Child/Children" shall refer to any age from newborn through the 12^th grade in high school.

"Worker" shall refer to any person participating in our "children’s" ministry, whether on a volunteer/part-time/or full-time basis.

The following policies are in effect during church services, anytime while on church property, or any church-sponsored activity.

This child protection policy has been reviewed and approved for implementation by:

___________________________ Date:______________
Ron Secrest, Pastor

Deacons:

_________________________ ______________________

_________________________ ______________________

1. "Two-adult Rule" - No one adult shall ever be alone with one minor.
2. "Six-month Rule" - All workers shall be a member of Southside Baptist Church for a time period of six months before participating in our children’s ministries. The only exception is when suitable non-member workers are hired by the senior pastor for special events or services; and when guest missionaries, evangelists, or teachers are ministering to our children.
3. Mentor/Sponsors shall abide by the Senior Pastor’s guidelines for counseling sessions. No worker should ever be alone with one minor in an isolated situation. This includes vehicles used for transportation, activities, and/or retreats, and meetings of any kind. This serves as a safeguard for avoiding the appearance of evil.
4. Workers should avoid physical contact with children that could in any way be misconstrued as inappropriate.
5. All children’s areas should have a see-through window or doors left propped open.
6. Infant and toddlers in the nursery ministry shall be signed in and out of all children’s services and picked up by parent/guardian only. Children should not be allowed to roam free in unoccupied rooms or areas at any time.
7. If a restroom break is required for nursery through the 5^th grade, two adults shall accompany the children as a group, (one male & one female or two females).
During restroom breaks, workers should monitor the children from outside the door if at all possible.
8. All workers shall complete an application form and interview before starting work in the children’s ministry.
9. If the initial screening process is completed to the satisfaction of the staff or designated person, a worker may begin contingent on the outcome of the reference check.
10. The reporting process will be implemented with yearly updates for all children’s workers.
11. All workers shall receive and sign a copy of the child protection policy.
12. A known previous child abuser, regardless of how long ago this may have taken place will NOT be allowed to participate in our children’s ministries.

I have carefully read and understand the contents of the Southside Baptist Church, Child Protection Policy. I agree to uphold and abide by this policy for the protection of our children and myself. I assume full responsibility for my words and actions as I seek to be a Christ-like example while ministering to the children. Furthermore, I release Southside Baptist Church from all liability for any and all of my words or actions which are determined by the church to be inappropriate or abusive in any manner. I voluntarily sign this policy and understand that if at any time I am unable or unwilling to abide by the stated policies, I may be asked to resign my position of ministry with the children of Southside Baptist Church.

Printed Name: _______________________________

Signature: ____________________________

Date: ____________________